rizla86
January 10, 2011, 7:02pm
58
Re: Defacing Mecca
Med911:
My point is quite simple, and I will make it simple for your sake. This huge development is gaudy and ugly. It really defaces the entire area. The Saudis should be a little more considerate of what they build since the site is of such immense importance to so many people. The problem is that the Saudis, whos intentions are motivated entirely by their own extremist brand of Islam, have very little consideration for others, for history, for culture etc. They build thing with no consideration for the significance of the sight. You in your gushing love affair with the Saudis may not realize this, but its a valid point. If you can show me that this sight has no significance to other Muslims, then I will agree with you.
You might think the development is gaudy and ugly but that is strictly your opinion. I don’t see anyone protesting this development or getting their knickers in a twist because the Saudis built another skyscraper to add to the ones already there. For most Muslims the significance of Makkah lies in visiting the Kaaba and performing Umrah/Hajj, not in the sights and sounds of the region. When you’re actually there, it doesn’t matter one bit what’s outside the mosque, just what you do there.
This is my exact point that you have mentioned here! Sanctuary of Mecca CITY is observed by ‘Not permitting entry to non-Muslims’ Where as the ‘Kaba’ is within the ‘Masjid ul Haram’ MOSQUE with obvious restrictions for Muslims for do’s & don’ts. Rest of the city is bull-dozed including ‘Janat’ul’baqi’ by which you don’t recognize any old grave markings. NOW just imagine if TODAY those markings were still visible, would it not invite shirk in some form for the pilgrims ??? Have you never heard some one saying in Pakistan "Eat or Rub this KHAAK-E-SHIFA and you would get better ??? This is “shirk” . As we all know that only Hajr-e-aswad (Stone) & Zum-zum water has that privilege bestowed by Prophet Mohammad pbuh himself. Today the house of Prophet Mohammad & the surrounding don’t exist no more, and for a reason too. Think about it otherwise ! Pakistani Pilgrims in Medina were notoriously famous for inserting ‘Taweez’ ‘Perchee’ and all kind of practices which are consider as disrespectful "when you visit someone’s house’ specially of Prophet Mohammad pbuh. They would also face hujra’s Mohammad pbuh and make dua “asking” for all kind of things ! Which is again considered as “Shirk” where as the original and still existing wall of the mosque is as such at the time of Salat many hundred of namazis end up ‘turning their backs’ to the Prophet Mohammad’s grave pbuh and his hujra thus facing qibla for prayers, which is acceptable ! From the grounds of Badre to Uhad & Hijaz to Arafat even though it is the very grounds that Prophet Mohammad pbuh walked are still open to ordinary people but with less thoughts of intensity in sacredness to non alive matters. Remember ! Shirk is the most disliked element of Allah’s swt proclamation of ONENESS & There is NON OTHER like him & NON OTHER PROVIDER of your needs , Hence, the sancturay of Deen is in the minds and souls of all Muslims. Atleast it should be It is not related to any earthly site and non descriptive ‘land mark’ not endorsed by Almighty Allah or his Prophet/s pbut. I believe this matter is not so difficult to understand. Unless you follow ‘Pakistani Islam’ (YES! It does exist,)
I agree with your views mate. Religion in Pakistan has been distorted way too much. The Quran and Hadith do not advocate our shirk practices, be it durgas or data darbars. The Saudis have done well to ensure the two most holy Muslim sites remain free of such innovations.